Republicans victorious in Danbury

Republicans gain council seat

DANBURY -- Republicans won a resounding victory in the city on Tuesday with Mayor Mark Boughton leading the way.

Boughton was swept into a fifth term with nearly 66 percent of the votes, according to preliminary results that do not include absentee ballots.

Democratic challenger Gary Goncalves said that he knew going into the race that Boughton would be a "formidable" candidate, and that he proved to be one.

"The residents of Danbury have spoken," Goncalves said. "I wish him and his administration all the best."

Despite attempts by Democrats to gain seats on the Common Council, Republicans added to their strong majority on the board by gaining one at-large seat, according to early figures, which gives them 15 seats on the 21-member board.

"This is a total team victory," Boughton said before an exuberant crowd of supporters at the Republican headquarters Tuesday night. "But now we have work to do for the residents of Danbury and we'll work together as a team."

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During the run up to election, the economy dominated much of the campaign rhetoric.

Goncalves consistently spoke about eight years of tax increases and the large amount of debt the city has taken on during Boughton's administration.

Boughton, meanwhile, said the city is on strong financial footing, has some of the lowest taxes in the state, and recently had its bond rating increased by the rating agencies.

Many of the voters interviewed by The News-Times as they left the polls Tuesday said they voted for Boughton because they believe he's done a good job running the city for the past eight years.

"He's done a tremendous job up to this point," said city resident Tom Comstock. "He's really cleaned up the downtown and built a new police station."

Some also said Boughton's experience leading the city was a factor.

"His experience made it an easy choice for me," said Judith Nicolari, who voted at the War Memorial. "I think he's done a good job so far. He has a good vision for the city's future and the experience to back it up."

Those supporting Goncalves at the polls said they were ready for a change.

"I voted Democratic across the board," said William Earle. "I never really liked what the Republicans had to offer."

He added that he recently sent an e-mail to a Republican candidate about a downtown issue he would like to see addressed.

"I sent the e-mail three times and never got a response," he said. "That was the final straw for me."